"Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents." (Catechism of the Catholic church #2226)
 

“Let the children come to me and do not prevent them;
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God
like a child will not enter it.” - Luke 18:16-17
 

Our mission is to help you as parents/guardians to nurture and foster growth in the Catholic faith of your children.  This is accomplished with help from Catechists / volunteers of our Parish who give of their time and talents.

We offer Religious Education for children from Pk3 through 8th grade:

• Religious Education (RE) - for students in grades 1 through 8 is designed to assist families of children attending public school in their religious education.  Students meet weekly throughout the school year.

• Sacramental Preparation for Children - is the process of welcoming all young people to prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

• Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for Children (RCIA for Children) - is for children seven years of age or older who have not been baptized; have been baptized in another Christian tradition; or have not had sacramental preparation at the traditional grade levels.  Children participate along with their families in the catechumenate.  The formation process for children is modeled on the adult process.

• Vacation Bible School - is a week-long summer camp for children. Music, crafts, Scripture, prayer, and play are all important components of St. Ferdinand's Vacation Bible School.

It is our hope that these programs assist you, as your child’s first catechist, to realize a deeper understanding of the words and ideas which guide the Catholic understanding of God. And to foster a growing spiritual sense of closeness with God by fully living out the faith as part of a community of service. For more information contact our Religious Education Director.